Cristiano Ronaldo Wins 2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or

The soccer world’s top prize was given out just moments ago, and the Ballon d’Or went to Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, 29, is a Portuguese native who has been playing for Real since 2009. This transfer for $132 million made him the world’s most expensive footballer. This is Cristiano’s second time receiving the Ballon d’Or, making himsecond winningest player of the award after FC Barcelona player, 27-year-old Argentine Lionel Messi, who was the runner-up for this year’s trophy.

Cristiano also won the Ballon d’Or in 2013 and came in second place in the competition in 2012 and 2011.

The Ballon d’Or itself has been given out since 1956, honoring soccer’s best European players. It wasn’t until 2007 that players from anywhere in the world, such as soccer legend Ronaldinho, became eligible to win the trophy. Then, in 2010, the prize merged with FIFA’s World Player of the Year Award, which Cristiano also won in 2008.